Canaleta picks Ellis as title favorite in Slam Dunk

MANILA, Philippines -- Five-time Slam Dunk champion Nino Canaleta picks Brgy. Ginebra's Chris Ellis to rule his personal favorite event in the 2014 PBA All Star Weekend at the MOA Arena.

Canaleta gave Ellis the edge due to his lean athletic built which makes his dunks look smoother.

"Magaan kasi si Chris saka may showmanship," Canaleta told Philstar.com.

Ellis, the reigning Slam Dunk champion, will face a stiffer challenge this time compared to last year. His teammate Japeth Aguilar and San Mig Coffee's Justin Melton are considered to be his fiercest rivals to the crown.

Last year, Ellis punctuated his emphatic victory with a Vince Carter-like, arm-in-the-ring dunk.

Aguilar, who at 6-9 is the tallest in the field, has been known for dunking with authority but his creativity will be put to test in this event.  Melton, meanwhile, is the smallest at 5-9 but packs a pair of explosive legs which makes him the dark horse to steal the crown.

Canaleta has reservations on Aguilar because of his withdrawal from last year's competition.

"Hindi ko sure si Japeth kasi last year, 'di siya sumali dahil sa Gilas," Canaleta said.

As for Melton, Canaleta thinks he can make an impact if he converts.

"Si Melton ang dark horse. If ma-convert niya yung mga gagawin niyang dunks, may laban siya," Canaleta said.

Completing the cast are San Miguel Beer's Arwind Santos, Alaska's Calvin Abueva, Rain or Shine rookie Alex Nuyles, Meralco's Rey Guevarra and Cliff Hodge.

The Slam Dunk competition will be part of the Skills Challenge which will be telecast live on Aksyon TV Friday at 5pm and delayed telecast on TV5 at 11pm.